We can do better: A brief comparison of wildlife department websites across the U.S.

Working as a naturalist in Ohio, I came to appreciate the number of resources made available by the Department of Natural Resources. They made this easy by keeping a very tidy Website. Check out these maps for example. One of my favorites is the physiographic regions map, the starting point for anyone trying understanding their landscape and its foundations in the soil and plant communities.

Living there, I knew that Ohioans (or at least their public officials) had a thing for good information. It was everywhere to be found. Wild Ohio was just one of countless publications the department produced, printed and posted for free download online.

While living in Ohio, I noted a dramatic difference in public awareness of conservation issues. This ecological literacy is surely built on a culture of good information in part made available by the government wildlife agency. It is after all their public duty to encourage people to enjoy and respect state resources. Just look at these: